Conduct Detrimental: The Should-Be-Linked Fates of Stephen Jackson and Robert Rowell

Suspending Stephen Jackson? A start. Firing Robert Rowell for creating this mess? Now that would be progress.

Stephen Jackson’s rapid-foul, foul-mouthed tantrum on Friday shouldn’t have come as a shock to anyone. Jackson has been talking for a month about his strong desire not to play for the Warriors — he merely took matters into his own hands by giving the Warriors no choice but to suspend him. The suspension was a no brainer, but a good start. Jackson has been above the law, living by his own Nelson-endorsed double standard, for far too long. With a young, impressionable team still looking to Jackson as a leader, the team needed to send a message loud and clear not to Jackson, but to the rest of the squad, that blatant disdain for the game, the coaching staff, and your teammates won’t be tolerated.

When the Warriors meet with Jackson Tuesday, my guess is he’ll be given the option to return to the team and conduct himself in a professional manner — or simply sit around and wait to be traded. Jackson has now twice created a major distraction when the focus should be on preparing for the season, so I’d have no problem simply telling him to stay away. Still, in terms of preserving whatever trade value he may have left and simply saving face, I expect the team to give Jackson yet another shot. They’ll likely regret it.

At this stage, the goal in any Jackson deal should be simply erasing the mistake. That means getting an expiring deal for Jackson, so it’s as if his contract extension never happened. If the Warriors can manage that, they’ll still be worse off due to the disruption Jackson has created, but they will have stopped the bleeding. Of course, moving Jackson only solves half the problem. Unlike many of the Warriors’ front-office dealings that can’t be pinned to a single individual (Mullin, Nelson, Riley?), the Jackson deal is solely the responsibility of Robert Rowell. Despite his eagerness to talk up his role last year when he was Jackson’s new best friend, Rowell has been silent since Jackson’s public comments on his discontent — including the wonderful admission that his no-agent buddy-buddy dealings with Rowell were “just business.”

Things didn’t have to be this way with Jackson. Don Nelson didn’t need to give him the freedom to play recklessly without consequence, and Robert Rowell didn’t need to reward him for his undisciplined erratic performances by giving him an unnecessary and unwise extension. I have no expectation that Cohan will fire Nelson — he’d cost too much and still manages to put bodies into arena seats — but dismissing Rowell wouldn’t cost as much and would do more to restore hard-core fan goodwill than anything since the 07 trip to the playoffs. If the Warriors simply pretend that Jackson is a self-contained problem, they’re deluding themselves. They’ll likely (quietly) blame Jackson’s behavior on his volatile personality — but that’s the same personality Rowell lauded when he inked the extension. If Jackson’s now a problem that needs to be suspended or traded, then the man that so miserably failed in assessing his character and future with the team must be shown the door with him.

The real tragedy in the Jackson mess is that it’s sucking attention away from some otherwise great play by the Warriors that’ll actually be here past a few weeks or months. I missed the second half of Friday’s win against the Lakers, but in the 6 plus quarters I did manage to catch over the weekend the Warriors showed me quite a few things I’ve missed for far too long:

With Jackson off the floor, the ball movement has dramatically improved. There are still times when Ellis misses wide-open teammates and Curry will have his share of rookie mistakes, but the Warriors simply play more like a team without Jackson. The fourth quarter against the Suns on Saturday provided a perfect example, with Morrow once again having a huge quarter thanks to teammates getting him good looks. Randolph and Azubuike have also benefited from increased touches. Ellis doesn’t have the natural vision of Curry, but it’s clear he’s also making an effort to share the ball. Whether by plan or accident, the Warriors finally seem to be getting their more efficient scorers more shots at the basket. There will be growing pains (Curry and Randolph’s jumpers, in particular), but the team-focused approach will pay dividends (and is infinitely better to watch even when the shots aren’t falling).

Our youngsters are working on defense. Randolph, Morrow, and Curry may not always stop their men, but they’re at least giving 100% effort. And over the last two games, the little bursts of effort have added up to some nice defensive stops. Anthony Randolph runs back to challenge every fast break. Anthony Morrow puts a hand up on every outside shot. And Stephen Curry won infinite respect from me when he started stepping up into the lane during the Suns’ semi-controlled breaks to cut off penetration to the basket (something that drove me crazy about our backcourt last year). Even Ellis seems to be getting into the mix, working harder around screens and using his quick feet — instead of his quick hands — to try to make defensive stops. There’s an audible difference, with everyone talking to each other about screens and switches in a way I didn’t hear last year. Again, it’s a work in progress, but it’s the first time since late 07 I’ve seen tangible signs of a team-wide commitment to defense. Stephen Jackson’s five first quarter fouls were a pretty good parody of the Warriors’ usual defense — here’s hoping the actual play that followed by the rest of the team is indicative of the future.

Randolph, Morrow, and Curry can lead this team. The Warriors don’t have a single player capable of leading the squad. Biedrins and Turiaf are great steadying influences, but too much at the periphery of Nelson’s plans to have a major on-the-court impact. The trio of Randolph, Morrow, and Curry, however, will all hopefully see major minutes this year and as a trio provide a great blend of leadership skills. Randolph gives the team the relentless, full-tilt attitude it lost over too many seasons of settling for losing. Almost all of Randolph’s mistakes come from trying to do too much — and that’s a very pleasant change. Randolph’s fire is moderated by Morrow’s cool composure. On Saturday, for the second time this preseason, Morrow lit up an opponent in the fourth quarter to put the game out of reach. The Warriors lacked a steady fourth-quarter option last year — but they may have finally found it in Morrow’s beautiful jumper. Finally, although it’s still early, Curry’s unselfishness and intelligence running the team should help keep Randolph’s wild streak in check and save Morrow from being forgotten, as he often was in last year’s system. Curry is the first Warrior I’ve seen since Davis (on his good days) who makes his teammates better. He’ll have his rookie struggles, but I’ve been converted over the past four games from skeptic to cautious optimist that he can be our future point guard.

Ultimately, the real story from the preseason so far isn’t Jackson’s tantrums or management’s too little, too late damage control — it’s the team that’s forging an identity without Jackson and in the midst of his distractions. For that team to have a fighting chance, however, Jackson and Rowell can’t be moved out of the way soon enough.

“Oh, and shouldn’t someone named resipsaloquitor be a man of few words?”

Lol…you really want it with me…that’s a bad look (for you). I’ll say this, I’ve seen your posts for quite a while. Only read one. But, I remember when you did not even use paragraphs. Real talk, you would write a page of page of straight text…Lol.

Let me be clear. I am in favor of trading SJ as soon as we can a decent package back. I’d prefer a quality player with a reasonable contract that would make the team better. But I would settle for an expiring contract, preferrably for a player we might want to keep.

I do not buy the cancer theory IF SJ wises up and realizes the W’s aren’t going to be his suckers in this deal. The minute he realizes who has the leverage, and it’s the W’s if he hopes to be traded to a team of his liking before he’s too old to play, he will be a good teammate.

I have had no problems with SJ over the past few years. I believe he was a good teammate and a good captain. I also believe he has been a good player. Not a perfect teammate or captain. Not a perfect player. But overall, a good one.

I believe he is valuable. I believe he can add something to a playoff team. I believe that it is in the interest of the W’s to take the time needed to make a good trade. I believe SJ will be smart enough to see the situation and that he won’t be a problem.

The Oracle

Steinmetz is right. As I’ve pointed out, ironically, the W’s have all the leverage in this situation. They just have to make it perfectly clear to SJ that they have it, and they aren’t afraid to use it to the detriment of his career if he continues to act like an axs.

As far as SJ saying the W’s dismantled the playoff team, letting quality player after player go without replacing them, he is right. This is the worst dismantling of a team I have seen since the 97 Marlins won the World Series.

Greg

People who still criticize Curry really don’t understand basketball. He not only has the instincts to give up the BB at the right time he also gives it to his teammates in a position to score. Once he becomes consistent with his shot like he was in college he will be very special. What is nice about Curry is you can tell he has a high BB IQ and like Adam mentions doesn’t mind getting in front of his man once in a while. For once I am looking forward to the season.

CURSE OF MULLIN

Greg111: amen to that. Curry plays the game the way it was meant to be played. Share the ball on O. Move the ball upcourt looking to pass to the cutter. Use your vision on D to overplay the passing lanes. Fun to watch the W’s again.

passthescotch

Thanx Jules

CURSE OF MULLIN

Q1 and the W’s playing hustle defense again.

CURSE OF MULLIN

Monta is back

Jules

Freeze Jackson and thaw him 3 years from now!!!

The kids don’t need his crap and are winning on their own accord and hard effort!

Yoots!

JanG

I’m seeing a whole new committment to defense. The ball is moving around. AM is getting his shot off. There’s a healthy competition for playing time. And all is good, at least for one night. The more they gel as a team, the less SJax has a leg to stand on. This is without AB or AR doing any damage!

JanG

And Monta…wow!

CURSE OF MULLIN

These Warriors are fun to watch. Ellis is back. Curry is the perfect add to a team that desperately needed a ball distributor. AR and AM are each becoming a force. They all hustle on D. Keep Jack off the court. This is nothing like last year.

gmoney

That clips announcer really has a hardon for Blake Griffin a la Barnett for Dunleavy circa 2004. I wonder if the announcers take turns being shills or if they get to choose.

Jules

Monta is not a PG and can’t play duel-ball with BD – get Curry back in and let him dribble!

Jules

No time out? Stupid ass Smart coach!

CURSE OF MULLIN

Smart didn’t distinguish himself in the 3rd Q. Same old Monta. If he’s not hitting his shot, he’s hurting you out there. The ball totally stopped moving for the W’s in 3Q while Curry was out.

Jules

Smart lsot the 3rd Qtr with his brain fart – just kept the turtles like the Slowskys like it!

CURSE OF MULLIN

Griffin is a quicker, more active, much better, Boozer

CURSE OF MULLIN

Where’s Randolph? Is he hurt or something?

Jules

Smart said AR didn’t practice well… 3 early fouls… teaching him a lesson!

W’s/Clips… Randolph got packed onto the floor by the stronger Baron. Did Randolph get injured? He only played 10 minutes… 3 early fouls kept him off the floor in the first quarter. Would have been nice for him to go head to head with Griffin…

Mikki Moore – I have a feeling he’ll be playing a lot this season.

Monta got his pocket picked twice in a row by Baron and taken to the house. It appeared he lost his confidence and started missing all his shots after this – 3rd quarter. He definitely struggled bringing the ball up on a better defending pg (Baron). It would have been nice for him to get some help – a ball handling 2, 3, or 4 or put Curry back in (Nellie did in the 4th quarter).

Morrow shot the lights out, but his guy scored almost as much as he did – Butler.

rigged

Nice lines for Morrow tonight, but 48 min?! Hello, Mr. Meat grinder?

feltbot

RIL@106

Easy man, just riffing on your name. Do you even know what it means?

I use single malt scotch, preferably Lagavulin. Give it a try, if it doesn’t help I’ve heard good things about Prozac.

rigged

Monta Ellis is NOT a Point Guard. Questions?

overton j’anthony

So sans Jack, the warriors biggest flaw is that monta is playing like he’s a keeper, and curry clearly is a keeper. However, the two of them kept together does not make sense because on d they’re a terrible combination. How tradable is monta. Can we get equal value for him at a more useful position? I think so, I think monta’s value might exceed what his contract is at, on the right team. He’s so friggin efficient as a scoring 2! Or, do we take someone back who isn’t as good but we get rid of Jack in the deal? I say yes, as long as we don’t take on any long term wasted money in the deal. Any garbage player we take on must be expiring soon. I think give him one chance to realize that warriors were his last straw in the eyes of the league. He’s a joke if he can’t get his act together after this. If he still dicks around on the court after he comes back, suspend him permanently. He’s garbage.

willow

Oracle @110

“This is the worst dismantling of a team I have seen since the 97 Marlins won the World Series.”

Major difference; the Marlins won the World Series, the Warriors backed their way into the playoffs and got manhandled in the second round.

We Believe wasn’t going anywhere further and was not a base to build on. When Jackson goes, all the thugs will be gone (BD, Barnes, AH, etc.) and not a moment too soon.

Thanks Petaluman,
SJAX will be tough to trade to any team, much less only 5 teams mentioned.

Unfortunately for the W’s, I don’t see the Knicks – who are recovering from Isiah Thomas’ spending and playing the LeBron sweepstakes – taking on much payroll to get marginally better.

I only see a major injury to a playoff contender/Texas team who sees SJAX as a viable alternative as a trade partner. It really might take until February…

I’d love to hear what goes on in the meeting today…

The Oracle

Willow gets it all completely wrong.

Sorry, a starting lineup of BD, JR, SJ, AH and AB, with Monta, KA, Pietrus, Barnes, and Marco off the bench, (the team we had in 07) adding RT in the offseason, is a vastly superior team to the one the W’s have dismantled into. And by keeping that team together, and building on it, the players would have gotten better playing together, so the team today would be even better than the team we had in 07 imo.

And since when in the reality of the W’s franchise is backing into the 2nd round of the playoffs a really bad thing? We’ve only made the playoffs once in 14 years. Yeah, let’s just tear a playoff down because we “only” made it to the 2nd round of the playoffs and it’s not perfectly clear that team could go much further in the future. Are you for real???

Man, some people don’t know jack.

The Oracle

Sorry, we didn’t have Marco in 07 but would have added him in the draft for 08. We still would have had him going forward.

willow

Oracle

With the exception of BD, whose value is inflated in my opinion, the rest of that core (the core that is no longer here – AH, JR, Barnes & Petrius), is mediocre at best (I liked Petrius best of the four, Barnes next due to his value contract, or lack thereof).

Agreed that the playoffs are a good thing, especially in relation to the Warriors reality. That being said, I think the Warriors were going in the right direction to trade JR for Wright and go young and big. It would have been even better if they used the tade exception, too. I also understand that Nelson has really missed the boat on player development, especially among bigs, but it didn’t have to be the way (I, as would you, would never have extended Nelson to coach this young team).

So, I guess what I’m saying is that I was/am on board with your other recommendation of going big and young and rebuilding. Building on the We Believe core, would not foster that strategy as well, as we wouldn’t have gotten BW, who I think has huge long term potential in a front line of AB and AR, and we’d still have JR, which would have held back Monta’s development some.

You are right, I don’t know Jack, but would gladly trade him as you’ve suggested (and agree that the Warriors have all the leverage).

Hoopsster

I wish more Bay Area media folks would hold Cohan and his narcissist, midget henchman Rowell accountable for their actions. As a season ticket holder for some years now, I have finally be exhausted of all hope this team will be sold to someone, or some entity, that cares about successful hoops in the Bay Area. Short of selling next week though, Rowell has to go. His actions have to be accounted for.
HE IS AN IDIOT!